Patricia Campbell (817) 978-5974 |
For Release Sunday July 26, 2009 |
HUD ANNOUNCES $6 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT GRANTS TO IMPROVE NATIVE HOUSING, SPUR JOBS IN NEW MEXICO
Laguna, Nambe, San Felipe Tribes Receive Grants
ALBUQUERQUE - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today
that HUD is awarding $6 million in grants to three Native American communities in New Mexico. Provided through
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), these grants will help these communities
to improve the quality of their housing stock, develop viable communities, promote energy efficiency and create
jobs A list of grantees and amounts follows.
"Today we make another investment in the economic recovery of our communities and neighborhoods, specifically those of our nation's first Americans," said Secretary Donovan. "I am proud to announce these Recovery Act grants today, which will help to improve housing conditions and create jobs in Native American communities across the country."
Native American Housing Block Grants (NAHBG) are allocated by formula to Indian tribes or tribal organizations representing tribes that are eligible to receive Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) funds. These funds can be used to build new housing and purchase land to support new housing construction. They also can be used to rehabilitate existing housing, including large-scale improvements such as
new roofs, plumbing and electrical systems to increase energy efficiency. The funding can build infrastructure, including roads and water and sewers facilities, to create suitable living environments. Priority is given to applicants that demonstrate an ability to obligate and expend the funds quickly.
The Recovery Act includes $13.61 billion for projects and programs administered by HUD, nearly 75 percent of which was allocated to state and local recipients only eight days after President Obama signed the Act into law. The remaining 25 percent of funds, including the grants announced today, are being awarded through a competitive
grant process in the coming months. HUD is committed to implementing Recovery Act investments swiftly and effectively as they generate tens of thousands of jobs, modernize homes to make them energy efficient, and help
the families and communities hardest hit by the economic crisis.
The full text of HUD's funding notices and tracking of future performance of these grants is also available at HUD's Recovery Act website.
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The grants are being awarded to the following recipients in New Mexico:
NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT (NAHBG) PROGRAM |
|||
State |
Grantee |
Community |
Amount |
New Mexico |
Laguna Housing Dev. & Mgmt. Enterprise |
Laguna |
$2,000,000 |
Nambe Pueblo Housing Entity |
Santa Fe |
$2,000,000 |
|
San Felipe Pueblo HA |
San Felipe Pueblo |
$2,000,000 |
HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.